Education for cataloging and knowledge organization

Abstract

ABSTRACTJust as education for cataloging has to follow functions of the catalog, education for knowledge organization needs to stem from the functions of databases. The reform of higher education in the light of Bologna Declaration (1999) has stimulated a consideration of changes in education for cataloging and knowledge organization at the Department of Library and Information Science and Book Studies at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana. A two level university program (3+2 years) is suggested by the Bologna Declaration. A proposed stepwise learning for cataloging and knowledge organization is intended to consider the functions of a library catalog on the one hand and to enable students for various degrees of specialization on the other. In each year of study one or more courses would be offered that would increase theoretical and scientific level of topics according to the knowledge acquired in previous courses. However, theoretical knowledge should be enhanced by practical work, therefore courses should provide practical training and internship. After graduation a period of introducing novices should remain an essential part of training. Professional librarians should see continuing educaiton as an integral part of their careers.